One characteristic of the health care environment is that it is ever-changing, and a changing environment requires health care professionals to be excellent communicators, both orally and in writing. Yet, workloads in most areas of health care are intensifying, making effective communications difficult to attain. This week, we will talk about some of the fears that surround the writing process and how to overcome them to become the effective communicators demanded in the health care industry.

As you engage with the questions and with others as they join in the discussion, be sure to read what has already been posted and then add substantively to the discussion. Time goes quickly, so remember to post early! The first question is opinion-based so that you can begin the discussion immediately without having completed all of your readings. You will apply your assigned readings to subsequent questions.

First, a question based on your experiences and/or opinion:

1. Communicating in a health environment requires clear and concise messages and intensive documentation. Yet many health care providers are either hesitant or reluctant to put information in writing. Why is that?

Lets now talk about why people are fearful about the writing process. We will apply the readings as appropriate as we attend to each discussion question. However, lets focus this week on dealing with barriers to successfully engaging with the writing process.

2. What are some of the obstacles that students face to becoming good writers? How about professionals?

3. How can we overcome the barriers to being a good writer? Again, please consider the student lens and the professional perspective.

4.How do we make use of the writing process a habit?